RE: [Paddlewise] emergency message device

> Darryl said:
> > For the price (including the subscription service), I'd rather carry
> > a VHF radio.................
> > 
> > 
> > ...........And if I'm out on the barrens where there isn't much in the way
> of
> > SAR personnel monitoring radios, then I'm going to have a sat. phone.
> > The specs for the SPOT say that coverage in the far north is --
> > pardon the pun -- spotty at best.
> 
> Darryl,
> 
> The SPOT doesn't replace my VHF, it supplements it. My VHF is my first line
> of defense if I need help. But what do you do when you can't reach someone
> on the radio?
> 

<snip>

Of course, for those with larger budgets than I, the SPOT is very 
likely a good thing.

Unfortunately, I have not only a limited budget, but limited space as 
well, so carrying emergency gear, along with food, clothing, cooking 
gear, first aid supplies, tent, etc. makes for trade-offs.

I'm not knocking the SPOT. I'm just saying that I'd rather have the 
VHF if I had to carry only one communication device. If you can 
afford the monetary and space "cost" of both, then, by all means, do 
take both. Three devices would be even better, and so on.

Just as an aside, I tend to both alienate my family and to carry 
excessive life insurance. My family is, therefore, both happy to see 
me leave on trips and even happier when I don't come back. (Of 
course, the latter has yet to happen, but hope springs eternal, as 
they say. <grin>)

-- 
  Darryl 
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